Protoanemonin toxicity

Ranunculus sceleratus L. Shi Long Nei (Ground mulberry) (whole plant) Ranunculin, anemonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, seratonin, protoanemonin, pyrogallol tannins.48 50 This herb is toxic. Relieve swelling, pain, antitoxin, treat lymphatic gland disorders, antirheumatic. 

N.A. Clematis vitalba L. C. virginiana L. Protoanemonin, saponins.99 This herb is toxic. Analgesic, relieve pain to arthritic joints, diuretic, counter urinary problems. 

A highly reactive natural product which contains such a geminally donor-acceptor substituted alkene is protoanemonin (Scheme 3.12), a toxic, skin-irritating lactone produced by various plants (ranunculaceae). The natural precursor to this compound is the glucoside ranunculin [44, 45], which yields protoanemonin enzymatically on maceration of plant tissue. Protoanemonin is unstable and quickly polymerizes or dimerizes to the less toxic anemonin. 

FR generation - 02 (bitter) [DNAS inhibition per FR wounding plant yields vesicant dermatitic oil Protoanemonin] Yields Dimethyldiselenide, Methylseleninic acid Methylselenol —> O ff [chemopreventative, selenium toxicity]... 

The toxic effects of baneberry result from the irritant and vesicant effect of protoanemonin on mucous membranes. 

The toxic effects in animals are similar to those in humans after ingestion of baneberry. Reports describe seizure activity and paralysis in livestock that ingest large amounts of the fresh plant. Protoanemonin is rapidly polymerized to the inactive anemonin if dried. 

Protoanemonin is released through enzymatic cleavage when the plant is crushed but is poorly absorbed due to low solubility. Large amounts may cause systemic toxicity. Ingestion of six or more berries may... 

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